Today at Brentwood Home Page (www.brentwoodhomepage.com), you'll find:
In BrentWord: How the Brentwood chamber speaker took second billing to the speaker he brought with him.
In City News: A report from last night's City Commission meeting that includes castles, Boy Scouts and speed bumps.
In School News: First there were 5, then there were 3 and now there are 2: Finalists for Williamson County Schools' Director of Schools position.
In Business News: Hot Pink celebrates its 5th birthday.
Coming up: Fall sports overviews for BHS, RHS and BA, and much more.
Showing posts with label Brentwood City Commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brentwood City Commission. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
City paves way toward new Pewitt Drive
Pigs can fly and Pewitt Drive might actually become a real city street -- or at least half of it could soon be fixed to public-road standards.
It's true. A face lift just might be in store for part of the private road that is a major connector in the heart of our existing Town Center.
The City Commission adopted two resolutions Monday night that would spur the project along. The first authorized a contract for the Pewitt Drive sewer relocation project, while the second authorized "an agreement with Ragan-Smith Associates for engineering services for roadway improvements to Pewitt Drive."
In a nutshell, old sewer lines that now split two parcels of land located between Pewitt and the railroad tracks basically into undevelopable property will be replaced by new and more beautiful sewer lines under the new street. We're talking the half behind the under-construction Pinnacle Bank and adjacent retail buildings.
This is something to celebrate folks. I foresee the inaugural Town Center/Mole Festival now taking place not only down Town Center Way, but across Pewitt Drive too. Unfortunately, however, we may have to put it off until 2011 unless everyone can get this project going and quick.
You see, the approved plans don't include sidewalks. City Manager Mike Walker said whoever develops those properties will have to put in sidewalks that meet the Town Center C-4 Zoning regulations themselves. And we can't have a festival without sidewalks. That's why I gave up on the idea of hosting it on Centerview Drive a few years ago.
And there's another rub. Bobby Campbell of Campbell Glass has put up small "For Sale" signs at his property located at the corner of Town Center Way and Pewitt. If the asking price I hear, but have not confirmed, is true, those sidewalks may be a long time coming.
It's true. A face lift just might be in store for part of the private road that is a major connector in the heart of our existing Town Center.
The City Commission adopted two resolutions Monday night that would spur the project along. The first authorized a contract for the Pewitt Drive sewer relocation project, while the second authorized "an agreement with Ragan-Smith Associates for engineering services for roadway improvements to Pewitt Drive."
In a nutshell, old sewer lines that now split two parcels of land located between Pewitt and the railroad tracks basically into undevelopable property will be replaced by new and more beautiful sewer lines under the new street. We're talking the half behind the under-construction Pinnacle Bank and adjacent retail buildings.
This is something to celebrate folks. I foresee the inaugural Town Center/Mole Festival now taking place not only down Town Center Way, but across Pewitt Drive too. Unfortunately, however, we may have to put it off until 2011 unless everyone can get this project going and quick.
You see, the approved plans don't include sidewalks. City Manager Mike Walker said whoever develops those properties will have to put in sidewalks that meet the Town Center C-4 Zoning regulations themselves. And we can't have a festival without sidewalks. That's why I gave up on the idea of hosting it on Centerview Drive a few years ago.
And there's another rub. Bobby Campbell of Campbell Glass has put up small "For Sale" signs at his property located at the corner of Town Center Way and Pewitt. If the asking price I hear, but have not confirmed, is true, those sidewalks may be a long time coming.
Christmas comes early to principals
The bigger-than-normal crowd at Monday night's City Commission meeting was on its best behavior before the mayor hit the gavel and got things going.
Turns out most of the individuals filling the right-hand corner of the board room weren't citizens upset over last month's rise in sewer rates, or Boy Scouts working on government merit badges.
Every principal of a Brentwood public school was on hand to receive a gift from the city -- gifts in the forms of checks approved as part of the 2009-2010 fiscal year budget.
Maintaining excellence in our local schools is a priority, Mayor Betsy Crossley said, as she shared that over the years the city has donated more than $3.6 million to local schools. This year's donation totals $225,000 "or almost a quarter of a million dollars."
Each elementary school principal received a check for $10,000, while each middle school principal was handed an envelope with a $15,000 one. Kevin Keidel and Dr. Pam Vaden, principals of Brentwood and Ravenwood high schools respectively, each gratefully accepted checks written out for $60,000.
Keidel said he wanted to thank the board "not only for the donation, but for all your support." He specifically mentioned the city's recent ban on guns in city parks which allowed schools to continue to use park facilities for school athletics and other programming. Brentwood High, which is just completing a $3.8 million renovation, will use the money to buy computers for its new library, he said.
In addition to the principals, school board members Pat Anderson, Susan Graham and Terry Leve, who all represent Brentwood districts, attended.
Happy Birthday Mrs. Graham
Speaking of the school board, Graham sure earned some brownie points for being there. The mayor noted to one and all that it was Graham's 50th birthday. She had delayed celebrating with her family in order to see the check presentations.
I knew I liked that woman. But gosh, I would have sworn she was 38 like me.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
It's Tuesday morning and all is well
Good morning Brentwood!
Coming later today is an exclusive interview with Brentwood Police Chief Ricky Watson on his department's work over the weekend that led to five arrests in our rash of home burglaries. But he tells me residents should not let their guards down. Check back to find out why not.
Also coming, a report from last night's City Commission meeting, where it was announced a jury ruled against the city in an eminent domain case, a decision that will cost the city some big bucks if it decides not to appeal.
And while you're waiting for these postings, I need you to be thinking about what you would like to see and read in an online "newspaper" for Brentwood, whether you are a resident or someone who works here. Big things are happening at the BrentWord home office but we need your input and ideas to make them the best they can be.
Perhaps you have story idea to share. Maybe you're involved with a religious, civic, sports or community group that needs its events and honors publicized. What is other local media not covering that you want to read about? What about business coverage? How would you like it presented and what most interests you?
Please send your thoughts to brentword@comcast.net or feel free to leave a comment below. Pass along this link to your friends, neighbors, co-workers, bosses and coaches for their input.
And stay tuned for more information in the weeks ahead.
Here are a few interesting links from today's Williamson A.M. and The Tennessean's Sports sections with Brentwood ties:
Coming later today is an exclusive interview with Brentwood Police Chief Ricky Watson on his department's work over the weekend that led to five arrests in our rash of home burglaries. But he tells me residents should not let their guards down. Check back to find out why not.
Also coming, a report from last night's City Commission meeting, where it was announced a jury ruled against the city in an eminent domain case, a decision that will cost the city some big bucks if it decides not to appeal.
And while you're waiting for these postings, I need you to be thinking about what you would like to see and read in an online "newspaper" for Brentwood, whether you are a resident or someone who works here. Big things are happening at the BrentWord home office but we need your input and ideas to make them the best they can be.
Perhaps you have story idea to share. Maybe you're involved with a religious, civic, sports or community group that needs its events and honors publicized. What is other local media not covering that you want to read about? What about business coverage? How would you like it presented and what most interests you?
Please send your thoughts to brentword@comcast.net or feel free to leave a comment below. Pass along this link to your friends, neighbors, co-workers, bosses and coaches for their input.
And stay tuned for more information in the weeks ahead.
Here are a few interesting links from today's Williamson A.M. and The Tennessean's Sports sections with Brentwood ties:
- Dog fight isn't over in gated Brentwood community; Owners sue homeowners' board members who wanted pit bulls banned http://tinyurl.com/BWpitbulls
- For scuba instructor, job is never-ending adventure
For past decade, Brentwood man has happily made a living underwater http://tinyurl.com/BWscuba - Ron Crawford faces a new challenge as he heads into the 2009 season at Brentwood. (Don't be fooled by the "Hillsboro" headline. Scroll down to find news on BHS team.) http://tinyurl.com/BWfootball
Monday, July 13, 2009
Guns in parks tops commission agenda
Tonight’s Brentwood City Commission agenda isn't extensive on paper, but it includes several items of interest and the discussion on them could be lively and long.
Among them are resolutions to ban guns in city-owned parks and buildings.
Resolution 2009-56, if adopted, “will prohibit the possession of handguns in all of the City’s municipal parks. Handguns would also be prohibited on bicycle pedestrian trails and greenways that are part of the City's parks system. This resolution is proposed as a response to legislation recently passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Bredesen.”
The resolution’s cost, if adopted, is estimated to be approximately $2,500 for signage.
In a related resolution, No. 2009-57, which would prohibit possession of weapons at city meetings and buildings, “staff recommends that weapons should likewise be prohibited within all City buildings and at City meetings. There has been no evidence to indicate that individuals need, for personal safety reasons, to carry guns within City of Brentwood facilities. The safety and security of citizen board members, City employees, and members of the public visiting City buildings is more likely to be threatened, real or perceived, if persons other than law enforcement officers are allowed to carry weapons in City meetings and facilities.”
The guns in parks issue was the subject of Williamson A.M.’s Sunday centerpiece story. The link, in case you missed it, is www.tinyurl.com/BWparkguns.
When construction just stops
Luckily Brentwood has no unfinished, abandoned subdivision projects … yet. Other areas of Middle Tennessee have not been so lucky. Stories of half-completed homes left sitting when builders or developers have declared bankruptcy have been reported over the past year. But the city is not immune and is taking preemptive measures to prevent it here.
Ordinance 2009-07, would amend municipal code in regard to suspended and abandoned construction. "Suspended construction" is defined to include structures for which no good faith effort has been made to complete construction for a period of 60 days.
"Abandoned construction" include structures for which no good faith effort has been made to complete construction for a period of 180 days.
This ordinance would give the city the teeth needed to take “necessary remedial actions.”
For a complete description of the ordinance, check out the agenda item at www.cobaq.org/agenda_publish.cfm at the city’s website.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Brentwood Municipal Center’s second-floor boardroom. The center is at 5211 Maryland Way.
For many of the same reasons set forth in Legal Services Memorandum No. 2009-09 in support of Resolution 2009-56 (prohibiting handguns in City parks and similar public places) staff recommends that weapons should likewise be prohibited within all City buildings and at City meetings. There has been no evidence to indicate that individuals need, for personal safety reasons, to carry guns within City of Brentwood facilities. The safety and security of citizen board members, City employees, and members of the public visiting City buildings is more likely to be threatened, real or perceived, if persons other than law enforcement officers are allowed to carry weapons in City meetings and facilities.
Among them are resolutions to ban guns in city-owned parks and buildings.
Resolution 2009-56, if adopted, “will prohibit the possession of handguns in all of the City’s municipal parks. Handguns would also be prohibited on bicycle pedestrian trails and greenways that are part of the City's parks system. This resolution is proposed as a response to legislation recently passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Bredesen.”
The resolution’s cost, if adopted, is estimated to be approximately $2,500 for signage.
In a related resolution, No. 2009-57, which would prohibit possession of weapons at city meetings and buildings, “staff recommends that weapons should likewise be prohibited within all City buildings and at City meetings. There has been no evidence to indicate that individuals need, for personal safety reasons, to carry guns within City of Brentwood facilities. The safety and security of citizen board members, City employees, and members of the public visiting City buildings is more likely to be threatened, real or perceived, if persons other than law enforcement officers are allowed to carry weapons in City meetings and facilities.”
The guns in parks issue was the subject of Williamson A.M.’s Sunday centerpiece story. The link, in case you missed it, is www.tinyurl.com/BWparkguns.
When construction just stops
Luckily Brentwood has no unfinished, abandoned subdivision projects … yet. Other areas of Middle Tennessee have not been so lucky. Stories of half-completed homes left sitting when builders or developers have declared bankruptcy have been reported over the past year. But the city is not immune and is taking preemptive measures to prevent it here.
Ordinance 2009-07, would amend municipal code in regard to suspended and abandoned construction. "Suspended construction" is defined to include structures for which no good faith effort has been made to complete construction for a period of 60 days.
"Abandoned construction" include structures for which no good faith effort has been made to complete construction for a period of 180 days.
This ordinance would give the city the teeth needed to take “necessary remedial actions.”
For a complete description of the ordinance, check out the agenda item at www.cobaq.org/agenda_publish.cfm at the city’s website.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Brentwood Municipal Center’s second-floor boardroom. The center is at 5211 Maryland Way.
For many of the same reasons set forth in Legal Services Memorandum No. 2009-09 in support of Resolution 2009-56 (prohibiting handguns in City parks and similar public places) staff recommends that weapons should likewise be prohibited within all City buildings and at City meetings. There has been no evidence to indicate that individuals need, for personal safety reasons, to carry guns within City of Brentwood facilities. The safety and security of citizen board members, City employees, and members of the public visiting City buildings is more likely to be threatened, real or perceived, if persons other than law enforcement officers are allowed to carry weapons in City meetings and facilities.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
New budget reflects city's sound standing
Employees lauded for hard work, dedication
The agenda was a long one, but Brentwood's city commissioners made quick work of it Monday night, approving a realistic yet comprehensive 2009-10 fiscal year budget; approving a tax rate that will not increase despite the current economy, and adopting the 2010-2015 Capital Improvements Program.
And before the commission meeting, the city's beer board approved on-site sales for new Brentwood restaurant Judge Bean's BBQ, another sign that Brentwood's doing OK.
In addition to be "big three" items listed above, the board removed three items from its consent agenda following questions during the Comments from Citizens time. Each was later addressed and approved as new business.
One of those items concerned the proposed $12,000 expenditure for the annual employee recognition dinner to be held at Embassy Suites in Franklin later this year. Resident Chris Bosen questioned the $36 per person cost and suggested the party be held in a party tent, with local caterers at a reduced cost.
Commissioner Joe Reagan noted that "our employees are absolutely part of the reason ... we are not going through what many cities are going through." In a year that employees will only receive a 1.5% salary adjustment and are being asked to do more with less, they deserve the recognition more than ever.
It was a notion shared by other board members.
Rhea Little, who owns a service-oriented business himself, said city employee's outstanding service to citizens is almost in direct opposition to how most people view government.
"(Our employees) help us manage this city better than any other city around," Mayor Betsy Crossley said. Noting that because of its staff the city runs "like a finely tuned business ... I'm not about to take (the dinner) away from them."
Edmondson Pike improvements ahead
Good news for residents living near or who use Edmondson Pike between Smithson Lane and the Davidson County line. The city is improving that stretch with new 12-foot wide driving lanes, six-foot shoulders and a third turning lane where necessary. And the best news? The $1.6 million project is expected to come in under budget, assistant city manager Kirk Bednar said.
In other news of note, the city budget again includes money for local public schools. Brentwood and Ravenwood high schools will each receive $30,000; Brentwood, Crockett and Sunset middle schools will each receive $15,000 and our six elementary schools each will get $10,000.
To see the meeting via video, or to read meeting minutes, visit the city's website at www.brentwood-tn.org
The agenda was a long one, but Brentwood's city commissioners made quick work of it Monday night, approving a realistic yet comprehensive 2009-10 fiscal year budget; approving a tax rate that will not increase despite the current economy, and adopting the 2010-2015 Capital Improvements Program.
And before the commission meeting, the city's beer board approved on-site sales for new Brentwood restaurant Judge Bean's BBQ, another sign that Brentwood's doing OK.
In addition to be "big three" items listed above, the board removed three items from its consent agenda following questions during the Comments from Citizens time. Each was later addressed and approved as new business.
One of those items concerned the proposed $12,000 expenditure for the annual employee recognition dinner to be held at Embassy Suites in Franklin later this year. Resident Chris Bosen questioned the $36 per person cost and suggested the party be held in a party tent, with local caterers at a reduced cost.
Commissioner Joe Reagan noted that "our employees are absolutely part of the reason ... we are not going through what many cities are going through." In a year that employees will only receive a 1.5% salary adjustment and are being asked to do more with less, they deserve the recognition more than ever.
It was a notion shared by other board members.
Rhea Little, who owns a service-oriented business himself, said city employee's outstanding service to citizens is almost in direct opposition to how most people view government.
"(Our employees) help us manage this city better than any other city around," Mayor Betsy Crossley said. Noting that because of its staff the city runs "like a finely tuned business ... I'm not about to take (the dinner) away from them."
Edmondson Pike improvements ahead
Good news for residents living near or who use Edmondson Pike between Smithson Lane and the Davidson County line. The city is improving that stretch with new 12-foot wide driving lanes, six-foot shoulders and a third turning lane where necessary. And the best news? The $1.6 million project is expected to come in under budget, assistant city manager Kirk Bednar said.
In other news of note, the city budget again includes money for local public schools. Brentwood and Ravenwood high schools will each receive $30,000; Brentwood, Crockett and Sunset middle schools will each receive $15,000 and our six elementary schools each will get $10,000.
To see the meeting via video, or to read meeting minutes, visit the city's website at www.brentwood-tn.org
Monday, June 22, 2009
'In case you missed them' story links...
There have been several interesting Brentwood-related stories in local media over the past few days. Here are links in case you missed them:
Brentwood man named top Rotary member among 65 clubs
http://tinyurl.com/mkfaz5
Board approves $1.8 million renovation at Brentwood High
http://tinyurl.com/le2oq3
Garden party launches new book
http://tinyurl.com/kjexne
Mayor found time to speak with Scouts
http://tiny.cc/4wmRs
From Outside the Brentwood Bubble:
BHS Senior Collects Old Soccer Uniforms for Needy
http://tinyurl.com/mucr4r
Brentwood man named top Rotary member among 65 clubs
http://tinyurl.com/mkfaz5
Board approves $1.8 million renovation at Brentwood High
http://tinyurl.com/le2oq3
Garden party launches new book
http://tinyurl.com/kjexne
Mayor found time to speak with Scouts
http://tiny.cc/4wmRs
From Outside the Brentwood Bubble:
BHS Senior Collects Old Soccer Uniforms for Needy
http://tinyurl.com/mucr4r
And some recent BrentWord posts:
Happy Father's Day!
http://tinyurl.com/nmsjbj
'Exclusive Club' a piece of city history
http://tinyurl.com/kwm7sd
Officer's quick work helps end crime spree
http://tinyurl.com/kmzgug
Coming up....
- A report from Monday night's city commission meeting: Budget passes, schools get cash and meeting still moved up for Titans game.
- City's newest firefighters an unusual, interesting and talented bunch.
- Summer swimming holes. With the Dolphin Club no more -- and temperatures hitting the 90s already in June -- where are the best places to swim this summer? (Feel free to weigh in with comments, or email me at brentword@comcast.net).
City plans a party; Titanic mistake?
When the City Commission convenes at 7 p.m. tonight, it faces a long agenda, including the final of three public hearings on the new budget and Capitol Improvements Plan and a vote on their adoption. Expect action on items related to the long-awaited Concord Road improvements and a new business item about improving Edmondson Pike north of Concord to the Davidson County line.
All important issues for sure. But two items on the consent agenda caught my eye as much more interesting and thought provoking.
First, there's the city's annual employee recognition banquet. Don't worry, I'm not suggesting the city not host one given the current economic climate. Lord knows, these days it's more important than ever for employers to offer "Atta boys" and recognition for jobs well done.
What caught my eye was this: "There are only two facilities available in Williamson County (Embassy Suites and the Marriott -- both located in Cool Springs) that have the capability of accommodating our group and are also within a reasonable travel distance of Brentwood."
This isn't a new revelation. Just ask the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber which has its annual Star Gala in Franklin each year because there isn't a place in Brentwood large enough to handle the crowd. Our two public high schools head south as well for their proms.
Perhaps with the recent talk of Tax Incremental Financing, of the need to boost tourism, and of what types of projects the county considers being partner worthy, a convention center of sorts might be something worth exploring -- in Town Center, as part of the Murray property redo, or, yes, even in the center of town.
Just a thought. Not for tonight's meeting of course, but for creative minds who have the will and wherewithal to turn musings into magic.
When Titans rule citizens lose
The commission also will review its remaining 2009 meeting schedule tonight to make adjustments "as needed to avoid conflicts with significant events that would overlap with Board meetings."
Hmmmm. What is considered a significant event? The State of the Union address, perhaps? A federal holiday that falls on a Monday?
Apparently an away Tennessee Titans football game is significant enough to move the regularly scheduled 7 p.m. Nov. 23 meeting to 5 p.m. Why? For any member of the public who might want to attend the meeting, or, dare I hope, speak on an issue, 5 p.m. can be a difficult time slot to make a meeting.
The proposed change, of course, is not the first time this has been done. I just hope this time around the commission gives it a little more thought and discussion before rubber stamping the change.
All important issues for sure. But two items on the consent agenda caught my eye as much more interesting and thought provoking.
First, there's the city's annual employee recognition banquet. Don't worry, I'm not suggesting the city not host one given the current economic climate. Lord knows, these days it's more important than ever for employers to offer "Atta boys" and recognition for jobs well done.
What caught my eye was this: "There are only two facilities available in Williamson County (Embassy Suites and the Marriott -- both located in Cool Springs) that have the capability of accommodating our group and are also within a reasonable travel distance of Brentwood."
This isn't a new revelation. Just ask the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber which has its annual Star Gala in Franklin each year because there isn't a place in Brentwood large enough to handle the crowd. Our two public high schools head south as well for their proms.
Perhaps with the recent talk of Tax Incremental Financing, of the need to boost tourism, and of what types of projects the county considers being partner worthy, a convention center of sorts might be something worth exploring -- in Town Center, as part of the Murray property redo, or, yes, even in the center of town.
Just a thought. Not for tonight's meeting of course, but for creative minds who have the will and wherewithal to turn musings into magic.
When Titans rule citizens lose
The commission also will review its remaining 2009 meeting schedule tonight to make adjustments "as needed to avoid conflicts with significant events that would overlap with Board meetings."
Hmmmm. What is considered a significant event? The State of the Union address, perhaps? A federal holiday that falls on a Monday?
Apparently an away Tennessee Titans football game is significant enough to move the regularly scheduled 7 p.m. Nov. 23 meeting to 5 p.m. Why? For any member of the public who might want to attend the meeting, or, dare I hope, speak on an issue, 5 p.m. can be a difficult time slot to make a meeting.
The proposed change, of course, is not the first time this has been done. I just hope this time around the commission gives it a little more thought and discussion before rubber stamping the change.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
BJ has real Brentwood news today!
This morning's Brentwood Journal has some interesting stories you may want to check out.
And later today I'll be previewing Thursday night's City Commission work session. This meeting has been scheduled to learn about tax increment financing options available under Tennessee law that can be used to help spur development in Town Center.
I understand property and business owners have been invited to attend and I hope they will. But anyone with an interest in Brentwood's "downtown," should mark their calendar. The session begins at 5 p.m. in the commission chambers, second floor of the Municipal Building.
In the meantime, here are links from the Journal to stories about:
And later today I'll be previewing Thursday night's City Commission work session. This meeting has been scheduled to learn about tax increment financing options available under Tennessee law that can be used to help spur development in Town Center.
I understand property and business owners have been invited to attend and I hope they will. But anyone with an interest in Brentwood's "downtown," should mark their calendar. The session begins at 5 p.m. in the commission chambers, second floor of the Municipal Building.
In the meantime, here are links from the Journal to stories about:
- The city's Capital Improvements Program and Concord Road widening, http://tinyurl.com/n6lac2
- Saturday's Summer Reunion of former Hardscuffle residents, http://tinyurl.com/momess
- and Jefferson's, a new sports bar coming to Maryland Farms. http://tinyurl.com/lx44dw
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
City proclaims Pete a legend
Anyone who read my newspaper column or now reads this blog knows I cheat on my husband. I have a thing for older men. Much older men.
Pete Schutt's daughter asked me Tuesday night how I had gotten to know her dad. I really couldn't remember. I think we connected on some city issue and just clicked. Since then we've lunched and laughed and he's given me some great political and life advice.
My family was lucky enough to have attended two of the Meadowlake Homeowners Association picnics that Pete and his bride Joyce hosted for years at their "lakefront" home on Williamsburg Road. But beyond introducing ourselves, we didn't connect then.
It was several years later that the World War II veteran and I started "sparking" so to speak. I always light up when I see him. Maybe it's because I so seldom get to see my dad and Pete reminds me so much of him.
For years, some might say 33, Pete has been a Brentwood fixture. He's been an active citizen by attending board meetings and writing letters to board members and city staff. He even put his name forward to fill out Bill Youree's seat last year after Bill's too-sudden death.
As recently as a few weeks ago, Pete sent a letter to all of the commissioners urging them to take the lead in redevelopment of Town Center.
"As a concerned member of the community, can I expect to hear that the city commission is going to get the ball rolling?" he asked. He wrote he had read about a small, grassroots group that wants to see more progress made there.
"The city has the gavel. Let me hear it to get the meetings started. Together we can move a mountain but divided all we can do is talk ... Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference," he continued.
He signed it, "May love, joy and peace be yours, Pete Schutt."
At Tuesday's City Commission meeting, love, joy and peace were evident. Commissioners recognized him for his role as a soft-spoken citizen activist -- activist being used here in the best sense of the word.
You see Pete is moving to Franklin soon. I actually suggested the 50-plus development where he is buying a home. Now I feel guilty.
At the meeting, Mayor Betsy Crossley called Pete up to the front of the board room. First she presented him with an official proclamation and key to the city. Then the accolades began.
Calling Pete, "a citizen who has never held back," Commissioner Anne Dunn noted that when Pete had concerns, his criticism was "always taken to heart."
"Pete, we love you," Joe Sweeney told him. "You've never been vindictive, you've always been firm." He added how much he had enjoyed the birthday cakes Pete and Joyce had baked for board members over the years.
"It wouldn't be a city commission meeting if he wasn't sitting there on the second row," quipped Joe Reagan, who went on to mention his and Pete's shared love of woodworking. (And for the record, I'm convinced the too-small wood shop at The Heritage may have been the deciding factor in Pete's departure.)
Pete actually has several reasons for moving to Franklin, not the least of which is being closer to his bride. Joyce, as much a figure at Brentwood City Commission meetings over the years as her husband, has Alzheimer's Disease. A few years ago she moved into a Franklin assisted living facility better equipped to take care of her.
In a prepared statement, carefully printed in pencil on an index card, Pete told the commission how much he appreciated the fact that it had remained non-partisan and urged it to stay that way.
"Joyce and I have enjoyed every minute we've been here," Pete told those attending the meeting, including two of his children, a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter who traveled to Brentwood to see him honored. "Brentwood has been good to us ... I am not moving far down the road so will be able to come back often."
I sure hope so.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
When Pete's the star, put him on agenda!
I am so not happy with the City of Brentwood.
It cost me 43 minutes of my life Tuesday night after a fast 35-minute City Commission meeting.
You see, it's like this: Pete Schutt, one of my all-time favorite people in Brentwood and beyond, was elevated tonight to the ranks of country music legend Eddy Arnold, the mayors of Brentwood, England and a very few other esteemed individuals.
Mayor Betsy Crossley presented Pete with a proclamation and a key to the city.
Was it on the agenda? Did they announce it to media outlets, especially ones as big and important as BrentWord? The answer would be no. So did I have a camera? No. Did Kiri Walton from the Williamson Herald? No. Was Williamson A.M. there? No.
Before I knew it, Pete's up there getting proclamated and there's nary a cameraman to capture the historic moment. After the meeting I took a few shots on my new-but-not-yet-web-connected cell phone but had no idea how to download them to my computer.
That's where the 43 minutes comes in.
As a faithful Sprint subscriber for almost 10 years, I gave it every benefit of the doubt tonight, checking out the User's Guide first and then the website (as directed in the User's Guide). I even tried live chat with online adviser Bryan J.
But do you see a picture of Pete, or his proclamation, or his key here? Let's just say that I'm not a happy camper right now.
But like John Paul Jones, I have not yet begun to fight. Check back Wednesday for details from the short but intriguing meeting ... and hopefully a few pics of Pete.
It cost me 43 minutes of my life Tuesday night after a fast 35-minute City Commission meeting.
You see, it's like this: Pete Schutt, one of my all-time favorite people in Brentwood and beyond, was elevated tonight to the ranks of country music legend Eddy Arnold, the mayors of Brentwood, England and a very few other esteemed individuals.
Mayor Betsy Crossley presented Pete with a proclamation and a key to the city.
Was it on the agenda? Did they announce it to media outlets, especially ones as big and important as BrentWord? The answer would be no. So did I have a camera? No. Did Kiri Walton from the Williamson Herald? No. Was Williamson A.M. there? No.
Before I knew it, Pete's up there getting proclamated and there's nary a cameraman to capture the historic moment. After the meeting I took a few shots on my new-but-not-yet-web-connected cell phone but had no idea how to download them to my computer.
That's where the 43 minutes comes in.
As a faithful Sprint subscriber for almost 10 years, I gave it every benefit of the doubt tonight, checking out the User's Guide first and then the website (as directed in the User's Guide). I even tried live chat with online adviser Bryan J.
But do you see a picture of Pete, or his proclamation, or his key here? Let's just say that I'm not a happy camper right now.
But like John Paul Jones, I have not yet begun to fight. Check back Wednesday for details from the short but intriguing meeting ... and hopefully a few pics of Pete.
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